ATH-M50xBT

User Manual
Wireless Headphones
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Audio-Technica product.
Before using the product, please read through the Quick Start Guide and Caution Guide, as well as this user manual
when necessary, to ensure that you use the product correctly.
Safety precautions
Although this product was designed to be used safely, failing to use it correctly may result in an accident. To ensure
safety, observe all warnings and cautions while using the product.
Cautions for the product
• Do not use the product near medical equipment. Radio waves
may affect cardiac pacemakers and medical electronic
equipment. Do not use the product inside medical facilities.
• When using the product in aircraft, follow airline instructions.
• Do not use the product near automatic control devices such as
automatic doors and fire alarms. Radio waves may affect
electronic equipment and cause accidents due to malfunction.
• Do not disassemble, modify or attempt to repair the product to
avoid electric shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not subject the product to strong impact to avoid electric
shock, malfunction or fire.
• Do not handle the product with wet hands to avoid electric
shock or injury.
• Disconnect the product from a device if the product begins to
malfunction, producing smoke, odor, heat, unwanted noise or
showing other signs of damage. In such a case, contact your
local Audio-Technica dealer.
• Do not allow the product to get wet to avoid electric shock or
malfunction.
• Do not put foreign matter such as combustible materials, metal,
or liquid in the product.
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• Do not cover the product with a cloth to avoid fire or injury by
overheating.
• Follow applicable laws regarding mobile phone and headphone
use if using headphones while driving.
• Do not use the product in places where the inability to hear
ambient sound presents a serious risk (such as at railroad
crossings, train stations, and construction sites).
• When charging, make sure to use the included USB charging
cable.
• Do not charge with devices that have quick-charge functionality
(with a voltage of 5 V or more). Doing so may cause the
product to malfunction.
• To prevent damage to your hearing, do not raise the volume too
high. Listening to loud sound for an extended period may cause
temporary or permanent hearing loss.
• Discontinue use if skin irritation results from direct contact with
the product.
• Do not catch your fingers or other body parts between the
housing and the arm or inside the joints.
Safety precautions
Cautions for rechargeable battery
The product is equipped with a rechargeable battery (lithium polymer battery).
• If battery fluid gets into eyes, do not rub them. Rinse thoroughly
with clean water such as tap water and consult a doctor
immediately.
• If battery fluid leaks, do not touch fluid with bare hands. If fluid
remains inside the product, it may cause malfunction. If battery
fluid leaks, contact your local Audio-Technica dealer.
–– If fluid gets in your mouth, gargle thoroughly with clean water
such as tap water and consult a doctor immediately.
–– If your skin or clothing comes in contact with fluid,
immediately wash the affected skin or clothing with water. If
you experience skin irritation, consult a doctor.
• To avoid leakage, generation of heat or explosion:
–– Never heat, disassemble or modify the battery, nor dispose of
it in a fire.
–– Do not attempt to pierce with a nail, hit with a hammer or
step on the battery.
–– Do not drop the product or subject it to strong impact.
–– Do not get the battery wet.
For customers in the USA
FCC Notice
Warning
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this
device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
Caution
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not
expressly approved in this manual could void your authority
to operate this equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part
15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and
used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more
of the following measures:
–– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
–– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
–– Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
–– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
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• Do not use, leave or store the battery in the following places:
–– Area exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures and
humidity
–– Inside of a car under the blazing sun
–– Near heat sources such as heat registers
• Charge only with the included USB cable to avoid malfunction
or fire.
• The internal rechargeable battery of this product cannot be
replaced by the user. The battery may have reached the end of
its service life if the usage time becomes significantly shorter
even after the battery has been fully charged. If this is the case,
the battery needs to be repaired. Contact your local
Audio‑Technica dealer for repair details.
• When the product is disposed of, the built-in rechargeable
battery needs to be discarded properly. Contact your local
Audio-Technica dealer to learn how to properly dispose of the
battery.
RF Exposure Statement
This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in
conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter used in
other systems. This device complies with FCC radiation
exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment and
meets the FCC radio frequency (RF) Exposure Guidelines.
This equipment has very low levels of RF energy that is
deemed to comply without testing of specific absorption rate
(SAR).
For customers in Canada
IC statement
CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
This device complies with Industry Canada's licence-exempt
RSSs. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause interference; and (2) This
device must accept any interference, including interference
that may cause undesired operation of the device.
Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter
may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum
(or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry
Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users,
the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the
equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more
than that necessary for successful communication.
This device complies with RSS-102 radiation exposure limits
set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
Notes on use
• Be sure to read the connected device’s user manual before use.
• Audio-Technica will not be liable in any way for any loss of data in
the unlikely event that such losses should occur while using the
product.
• On public transportation or in other public places, keep the volume
low so as not to disturb other people.
• Minimize the volume on your device before connecting the
product.
• When using the product in a dry environment, you may feel a
tingling sensation in your ears. This is caused by static electricity
accumulated on your body, not by product malfunction.
• Do not subject the product to strong impact.
• Do not store the product in direct sunlight, near heating devices,
or in hot, humid, or dusty places. Additionally, do not allow the
product to get wet.
• When the product is used for a long time, the product may
become discolored due to ultraviolet light (especially direct
sunlight) and wear.
• Make sure to hold the plug when connecting and disconnecting
the USB charging cable. The USB charging cable may become
severed or an accident may occur if you pull on the cable itself.
• When you are not using the USB charging cable, disconnect it
from the product.
• If the product is placed in a bag while the USB charging cable is
still connected, the USB charging cable may become caught,
severed, or broken.
• When you are not using the product, store it in the included
pouch.
• This product can be used to talk on the phone only when using a
mobile telephone network. Support for telephony apps that use a
mobile data network is not guaranteed.
• If you use the product near an electronic device or transmitter
(such as a mobile phone), unwanted noise may be heard. In this
case, move the product away from the electronic device or
transmitter.
• If you use the product near a TV or radio antenna, noise may be
seen or heard in the television or radio signal. In this case, move
the product away from the TV or radio antenna.
• To protect the built-in rechargeable battery, charge it at least once
every 6 months. If too much time passes between charges, the life
of the rechargeable battery may be reduced, or the rechargeable
battery may no longer be able to be charged.
• Operating with a sharp-tipped object, such as a ballpoint pen or
pencil, may not only result in incorrect operation, but could also
damage or break the touch panel.
• Do not tap (touch) the touch panel with the very tip of your finger.
Doing so may cause your fingernail to break.
• If the product does not operate at all or as intended when tapped,
check to make sure that your other fingers, parts of your hand, or
clothing are not in contact with the product when tapping. Also,
the product may not operate correctly if you are wearing gloves or
if your fingertips are dry.
• The product may not operate correctly if the touch panel is dirty
from sweat. Remove any dirt before operating the product.
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For a more comfortable Bluetooth® communication experience

The effective communication range of this product varies

depending on obstructions and radio wave conditions.
For a more enjoyable experience, please use the product as
close as possible to the Bluetooth device. To minimize noise and R L
Antenna
sound disruptions, avoid placing your body or other obstacles
between the product’s antenna (L side) and the Bluetooth
device.

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Part names and functions

Headband
L/R (left/right)
indicator

Slider

Joint

Earpad Arm

Housing
A microphone is built into
the L (left) side housing.

Touch panel (L side)

Activates the speech
recognition feature (such
as Siri for iOS devices
Indicator lamp or Google Assistant for
Android devices).
Displays the operating
status and battery level
of the product. Control button
Use to play/pause music
Power switch
and answer/end phone
Turns the power on
and off. calls.

Battery jack Connector jack Volume buttons

Use to connect the included Connect the included Adjust the volume using + and –.
USB charging cable and smartphone cable and use
charge the product. for the playthrough feature.

n Accessories

• USB charging cable • 1.2 m (3.9') cable for smartphones • Pouch

(30 cm (12"))

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Charging the battery
• Fully charge the battery when using for the first time.
• When the rechargeable battery is running low, the product will beep through the headphones, and an indicator lamp
will flash in red. In this case, charge the battery.
• It takes about 7 hours maximum to charge the battery fully. (This time may vary depending on usage conditions.)
• While charging the battery, the product’s Bluetooth connection remains disabled and therefore the product cannot be
used.

1. Connect the included USB charging cable (micro USB Type-B side) to the battery jack.
• The included USB charging cable is designed for exclusive use with the product. Do not use other cables to charge
the product.
• When inserting the USB charging cable into the USB port or battery jack, check that the connector is facing in the
correct direction before inserting it directly (horizontally).

USB port

Computer
USB Type-A

Battery jack

USB charging cable

Micro USB Type-B
(included)

2. Connect the included USB charging cable (USB Type-A side) to the computer to start charging.
• While charging, the indicator lamp lights as follows (it may take several seconds for the indicator lamp to light).
Lit in red : Charging
Off : Charging complete

3. When charging is complete, disconnect the USB charging cable (USB Type-A side) from the computer.

4. Disconnect the USB charging cable (micro USB Type-B side) from the product’s battery jack.

• If you start to charge while the product is on, it will turn off while charging. When you disconnect the USB
charging cable (USB-type-A side) from the computer after charging is complete, the product will turn off.
• When charging, make sure to use the included USB charging cable.
• The product may not charge with cables other than the included USB charging cable.

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Connecting via Bluetooth wireless technology
To connect the product to a Bluetooth device, the product needs to pair (register) with the device.

Pairing a Bluetooth device

• Read the user manual for the Bluetooth device.
• Place the Bluetooth device within 1 m (3.3') of the product to perform pairing correctly.
• To confirm the progress of the pairing process, wear the product while performing this procedure and listen for the
confirmation tone.

1. Starting with the product turned off, slide the power switch to the “ON” position.
• The indicator lamp will light in white, and then flash.

2. Use your Bluetooth device to begin the pairing process and search for the product.
When your Bluetooth device finds the product, “ATH-M50xBT” will be displayed on the device.
• For information about using your Bluetooth device, refer to the device’s user manual.
• The product may be displayed as “ATH-M50xBT”, “BLE_ATH-M50xBT”, or both. If both are displayed, select
“ATH-M50xBT”. If only one is displayed, select that one.

3. Select “ATH-M50xBT” to pair the product and your Bluetooth device.

• Some devices may ask for a passkey. In this case, enter “0000”. The passkey may also be
called a passcode, PIN code, PIN number, or password. 12:00 100%

Bluetooth ON

• The product sounds a confirmation tone when pairing is complete.

ATH-M50xBT
• Pairing a second device or more may take some time because the product automatically
searches for previously connected Bluetooth devices. In such cases, wait until the indicator
lamp (p.12) indicates “Pairing”.

About pairing
When connecting a new Bluetooth device, you need to pair it with the product. Once the Bluetooth device and the
product are paired, you do not need to pair them again.
However, in the following cases you will need to pair again even if the Bluetooth device was paired once:
• If the product is deleted from the Bluetooth device’s connection history.
• If the product is sent out for repair.
• If 9 or more devices are paired
(This product can save the pairing information of up to 8 devices. When you pair with a new device after pairing with
8 devices, pairing information for the device with the oldest connection date will be overwritten by the information for
the new device.)

• When switching Bluetooth devices, you may be unable to pair

because the previously connected Bluetooth device cannot be
disconnected. In this case, press and hold the volume buttons (+ and
-) and the control button as shown in the figure for 8 seconds. The
product will start “searching for devices” and you can pair Bluetooth
devices that you want to connect.

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Using the product
The product can use Bluetooth wireless technology to connect to your device and play music, receive phone calls, etc.
Use the product for whichever of these purposes suits your needs.
Note that Audio-Technica cannot guarantee the operation of displays, such as the battery level display, or applications
via Bluetooth devices.

Power supply ON/OFF

Power supply Power switch operation Indicator lamp

ON Lights in white, then flashes in white*1 *2

OFF Lights in white, then turns off*2

*1 It may take several seconds for the indicator lamp to light.

*2 For details, please refer to “Indicator lamp display”(p.12) .

Wearing the product

Put the side of the product marked “L” (LEFT) onto the left
ear and the side marked “R” (RIGHT) onto the right ear,
slide the slider up and down so that the earpads cover the
ears, and then adjust the headband.
• You can turn the housing to about 180 degrees from the
point where the arm is attached to the fulcrum. Do not
apply excessive force because it does not rotate more
than about 180 degrees.

Swivel mechanism
The joints swivel to allow the housings to fold flat, front and back. The swivel mechanism cannot rotate more than 90
degrees. Do apply excessive force.

Joint

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Using the product

Compact folding
You can fold the housing into the inner side of the headband using the joints at the fulcrum.
• Be careful so as not to get your fingers caught in the joints.
• When using the product, make sure to return the housing to the original position.

Fold
Joint

Listening to music
• To connect for the first time, pair the product and your device via Bluetooth wireless technology. If you have already
paired the product and your Bluetooth device, turn on the Bluetooth device’s Bluetooth connection before turning on
the product.
• Use your Bluetooth device to start playback, referring to the device’s user manual as necessary.

Control button
Press Play/pause Plays or pauses music. *1

Volume buttons
Press Volume up Increases the volume by 1 level. *2
+ button
Press and hold (for about 2 seconds) Skip forward Plays the next track. *1
Press Volume down Decreases the volume by 1 level. *2
- button
Press and hold (for about 2 seconds) Skip back Plays the previous track. *1

*1 Some controls may not be available for music on some smartphones.

*2 A beep is heard when the volume is at the maximum or minimum level.
• The volume control of some devices may not work well with the product.

Touch panel (L side housing)

Operation position Operation Function

Tap and hold Activates the speech recognition feature (such as Siri for iOS
(2 seconds) devices or Google Assistant for Android devices).

• May not function with some devices.

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Using the product

Talking on the phone

• If your Bluetooth device supports telephone features, you can use the microphone built into the product to talk on the phone.
• When your Bluetooth device receives a phone call, the product sounds a ring tone.
• If a call is received while you are listening to music, music playback is paused. When you finish the call, music
playback resumes. *1

When Operation Function

Press the control button. Answers the call.

Receiving
a call Press and hold the control button (for about
Rejects the call.
2 seconds).
Press the control button. Ends the call.
Each time you press and hold the button (about 2
Talking on Press and hold the control button (for about
seconds), you switch the call to your mobile phone or to
a call 2 seconds). *2
the product. *2
Press a volume button (+ or -). Adjusts the volume (+ or -) of the call.
*1 Depending on your Bluetooth device, music playback may not resume.
*2 When you hear a confirmation tone, release the control button.
• The phone call controls explained above may not be available on some smartphones.

Wired connection (playthrough function)

The product includes a playthrough function so it can be used as portable headphones to play back music even if the
product is not charged. You can connect the connector plug of the included smartphone cable to the connector jack
on the product, and the input plug to a portable player. You cannot operate the touch panel and control button of the
headphones when using a wired connection.

Input plug Connector jack

Portable player, etc. Connector plug

Remote controller with microphone

Remote controller with microphone

Control button

Playback/pause music and video

Press the control button once.
Answer/end call
Microphone

• Some controls may not be available for music and video playback on some smartphones.
• Audio-Technica does not provide support for smartphones used by customers.

Auto power off function

The product automatically turns off after 5 minutes of not being connected to a device.

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Using the product

Reset function
If the product does not work or other malfunctions occur, refer to
“Charging the battery” (p.6) and connect the USB charging cable.
Make sure the cable is carrying power.
Disconnecting and then reconnecting the USB charging cable will reset
the product and should resolve any problem you are experiencing. If the
problem persists, please contact your local Audio-Technica dealer.
Resetting does not change any of your settings (pairing information,
volume setting, etc.).
Micro USB Type-B
Battery jack

App for smartphones

You can use Audio-Technica’s app for smartphones for more convenient use of the product.

https://app.at-globalsupport.com

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Indicator lamp display
The indicator lamp of the product indicates the product's status as explained below.

Status Indicator lamp display pattern   Red   White 

Pairing Searching for device Flashing every 0.5 seconds

Waiting to connect Flashing every 4 seconds

Connection Flashing every 3 seconds

Connecting
( : gradually lights up)

Battery level Battery level low White in the pairing or connection status turns red.

Charging Lit
Charge
Fully charged Off

About voice guidance

The product provides English voice guidance in the following situations.

Situation Voice guidance

Power on Power on

Power off Power off

Bluetooth is connected Bluetooth connected

Bluetooth is disconnected Bluetooth disconnected

Battery level low Low battery

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Cleaning
Get into the habit of regularly cleaning the product to ensure that it will last for a long time. Do not use alcohol, paint
thinners, or other solvents for cleaning purposes.
• To clean, wipe with a dry cloth.
• Wipe away any perspiration or dirt from the smartphone cable with a dry cloth immediately after use. Failure to clean
the cable may cause it to deteriorate and harden over time, resulting in malfunction.
• Wipe the plug with a dry cloth if dirty. Failure to clean the plug may cause sound skipping or noise.
• Wipe away dirt from the earpads and headband with a dry cloth. Sweat or water on the earpads and headband may
cause the colors to fade. In this case, we recommend that you wipe them with a dry cloth and dry them out of direct
sunlight.

• If the product will not be used for an extended period of time, store it in a well-ventilated place free from high
temperatures and humidity.
• Earpads are consumable parts. Replace them when necessary as they will deteriorate through storage and use.
Contact your local Audio-Technica dealer for earpad replacement or other repairs.

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Troubleshooting

Problem Solution

Power is not supplied. • Charge the product.

Unable to pair. • Confirm that the Bluetooth device communicates using Ver. 2.1+EDR or higher.
• Place the product and the Bluetooth device within 1 m (3.3') of each other.
• Set the profiles for the Bluetooth device. For procedures on how to set profiles,
refer to the Bluetooth device’s user manual.
• Remove the pairing information for the Bluetooth device then pair the product
with this device again.
• Press and hold the volume buttons (+ and -) and the control button on the
product for about 8 seconds (p.7). The product will start “searching for
devices”. Pair the Bluetooth device that you want to connect.

No sound is heard / Sound is • Turn on the power of the product and the Bluetooth device.
faint. • Turn up the volume of the product and the Bluetooth device.
• If the Bluetooth device is set to the HFP/HSP connection, switch to the A2DP
connection.
• Move away from obstacles between the product and the Bluetooth device, such
as people, metal or walls, and place the product and device closer together.
• Switch the sound output of the Bluetooth device to the Bluetooth connection.

Sound is distorted / Noise is
heard / Sound cuts out.
• Turn down the volume of the product and the Bluetooth device.
• Keep this product away from devices that emit radio waves such as microwaves
and wireless routers.
• Keep this product away from TVs, radios, and devices with built-in tuners. These
devices can also be affected by the product.
• Turn off the equalizer settings of the Bluetooth device.
• Remove obstacles between the product and the Bluetooth device and place them
closer together.
• Turn off the aptX codec in the settings of the Bluetooth device and then connect.

Cannot hear the voice of the
caller / Voice of the caller is too
quiet.
• Turn on the power of the product and the Bluetooth device.
• Turn up the volume of the product and the Bluetooth device.
• If the Bluetooth device is set to the A2DP connection, switch to the HFP/HSP
connection.
• Switch the sound output of the Bluetooth device to the Bluetooth connection.

The product cannot be charged. • Securely connect the included USB charging cable and charge the product.

• For details about how to operate your Bluetooth device, refer to the device’s user manual.
• If the problem still remains, reset the product. To reset the product, refer to “Reset function” (p.11) under “Using the
product”.

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Troubleshooting

SBC priority connection (handling significant sound delays)

When the connection codec is AAC, you may be able to alleviate significant sound delays by switching to SBC, which is
normally implemented in Bluetooth devices. *1

Connecting
Connection is performed after the product and Bluetooth device have been paired.

1. Turn on the product.

2. Press and hold the volume buttons (+ and -) as shown in the figure (for 8
seconds) while music or video is paused.
• The indicator lamp lights in pink once, then the product turns off. It turns on
again and automatically connects to the Bluetooth device. *2
• After this switch is made, SBC will be the only available connection codec.
It will not be possible to connect with other codecs.
• For information about indicator lamp flashing and lighting, refer to “Indica-
tor lamp display” (p.12). *3
*1 D
 epending on your operating environment, sound delays may not be alleviated even if you
switch to SBC priority connection.
*2 If it is does not connect automatically, refer to “Pairing a Bluetooth device” (p.7) and
pair again.
*3 If you turn off the product and turn it on again, the connection returns to normal and
connection with other codecs is enabled. If the SBC priority connection is necessary, perform the SBC priority connection operation as
needed.

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Specifications
Headphones
Type Closed-back dynamic
Driver 45 mm
Sensitivity 99 dB/mW
Frequency response 15 to 28,000 Hz
Impedance 38 ohms

Microphone
Type Electret condenser
Polar pattern Omnidirectional
Sensitivity -42 dB (1 V/Pa, at 1 kHz)
Frequency response 80 to 10,000 Hz

Communication specifications
Communication system Bluetooth version 5.0
RF output 2.4mW EIRP
Maximum communication range Line of sight - approx. 10 m (33')
Frequency band 2.402 GHz to 2.480 GHz
Modulation method FHSS
Compatible Bluetooth profiles A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP
Support codec Qualcomm® aptX™ audio, AAC, SBC
Supported content protection method SCMS-T
Transmission band 20 to 20,000 Hz

Other
Power supply DC 3.7 V lithium polymer battery
Charging time Approx. 7 hours*
Operating time Continuous transmission time (music playback): Max. approx. 40 hours*
Weight Approx. 310 g (10.9 oz)
Operating temperature 5°C to 40°C (41°F to 104°F)
Accessories • USB charging cable (30 cm (12''), USB Type-A / micro USB Type-B)
• Cable for smartphones (detachable): 1.2 m (3.9') (3.5 mm (1/8"), gold plated
4-pole stereo mini-plug/L-shaped)
• Pouch
Sold separately • Earpad
• Cable for smartphones
* The above figures depend on operating conditions.
For product improvement, the product is subject to modification without notice.
• The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Audio-Technica Corporation is under
license. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
• “AAC” logo is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
• Qualcomm aptX is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
Qualcomm is a trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated, registered in the United States and other countries. aptX is a trademark of Qualcomm
Technologies International, Ltd., registered in the United States and other countries.
• Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the United States and other countries.
• App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
• Google Play, the Google Play logo, and Android are trademarks of Google LLC.

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Audio-Technica Corporation
2-46-1 Nishi-naruse, Machida, Tokyo 194-8666, Japan
www.audio-technica.com
©2018 Audio-Technica Corporation
Global Support Contact: www.at-globalsupport.com 132416620-02-01 ver.1 2018.11.01